Reducing risk

How do I protect myself and my family?

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to pay attention to good hand and respiratory hygiene.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, or cough into your elbow, dispose of the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards.
• Wash your hands regularly, after using the toilet and before eating.
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible and don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
• As much as possible try to avoid contact with people who are unwell.

If you have concerns about your health, please see your doctor.

Healthcare workers are advised to use appropriate infection prevention control measures when looking after patients.

What is physical distancing and self isolation?

Physical, or social distancing, is another way of reducing your risk of infection from COVID-19.

The most important of these measures is ensuring a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and those around you. This, coupled with measures like avoiding hugs, handshakes and kisses as greetings, is also part of physical distancing.

The next step from physical distancing, especially important if you have returned overseas, is self-isolating at home (or in a hotel) for the 14 days.

Self isolation is now a requirement for all people who arrived in Australia after 15 March 2020 or who think they've been in close contact with a confrimed case of coronavirus. Self isolation means you have to stay at home or in your hotel for a period of 14 days.

If this is you, it is recommended that you use personal transport, like traveling by car, to minimise your exposure and potential risk to others. If you are traveling by taxi or ride share, it is strongly encouraged that you sit in the back of the vehicle to maintain the distance of 1.5 metres from the driver.

During the 14 days of self isolation, you must not visit public places and only the people who you usually live with should be with you where you are isolating, this includes not receiving visitors and avoiding contact with staff if you are staying in a hotel or other paid accommodation.

More extensive information around the above is regularly updated and published on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

Face masks are not recommended for use by members of the public in Victoria for the prevention of infections like coronavirus disease.

Where can I find current travel advice?

From 9pm, 20 March 2020 (AEDT), the only people who can travel to Australia from another country are Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members. These restrictions are in place until further notice.

There are also be restrictions about traveling to and from Victoria from other states.

Check the Smart Traveller website for current travel restrictions and advice.